A Lansford man has been charged with fleeing police and leading them on a high-speed chase.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by officer Jarrod Bulger of the Lansford Police Department in the case against Christopher Skidmore, 38:

At 8:33 p.m. May 21, Bulger observed a blue sedan traveling west on West Patterson Street in the area of Coal Street and saw two men in the car with no headlights.

Bulger turned around and the vehicle turned north onto Center Street, cutting the corner short and running over the curb.

The car took off west on West Ridge Street and Bulger saw the car speed through the stop sign at West Ridge Street and Cortright Street without stopping.

Bulger activated his emergency lights and sirens. The car went through the intersection of Route 209 and Dock Street without stopping.

Turning south onto Second Street, Bulger saw the taillights of a blue sedan turning onto Phillips Street.

The vehicle then came to a complete stop facing east on Phillips Street in the area of the movie theater, where Bulger drew his department issued firearm and requested both men to exit the vehicle and get to the ground.

Bulger identified the driver as Skidmore, and requested a Coaldale unit to assist.

The passenger, identified as Matthew Castellaneta, got out and complied with police.

Skidmore did not.

With the passenger door open, Skidmore placed the vehicle in reverse and took off in reverse, before conducting a turn at a high rate of speed that when he went to place the vehicle into drive, it sounded as if he blew out a tire or jumped the transmission.

Skidmore then took off toward the area of 209.

Castellaneta told police that he only knew the driver as “Skids.”

Skidmore is known to be suspended, DUI related.

Skidmore faces charges of fleeing or attempting to elude officer, recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving, disorderly conduct, careless driving, driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, duties at stop sign, and driving without a license.

He is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing July 15 before District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek of Lansford.